Hankook Tire & Technology has confirmed its return as the official sponsor of the Ballon d’Or 2025, strengthening its association with football’s most prestigious individual award.
The 69th edition of the ceremony will take place tonight at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the sport’s biggest names, from players and managers to leading clubs and global icons, will gather to celebrate the best in the game.
This is Hankook’s second consecutive year as sponsor, following its debut in 2024. The renewed partnership ensures extensive visibility for the South Korean company across one of football’s most glamorous nights, with brand presence on the red carpet, media backdrops, and digital activations designed to reach millions of fans worldwide.
Commenting on the occasion, Jongho Park, President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe, said, “We are proud to continue our partnership as sponsors of the Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious awards in global sport. The Ballon d’Or has shaped football history and holds international appeal far beyond the sporting world. Our partnership underlines our shared commitment to innovation and peak performance – values that we have in common with international football.“
For Hankook, the deal reflects a broader global sponsorship strategy that connects the brand with elite sporting properties. In addition to the Ballon d’Or, Hankook partners with the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Conference League, and high-profile motorsport competitions such as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Rally Championship.
The Ballon d’Or, organised by France Football in association with UEFA, has been awarded since 1956 and remains one of the most coveted honours in the sport. Each year, it crowns the best men’s and women’s players, drawing worldwide attention and uniting the football community in a single spectacle of recognition and prestige.
This year’s men’s race is among the most competitive in recent memory. PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé has emerged as an early frontrunner, while Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal continues to impress on the global stage. Mohamed Salah remains central to Liverpool’s ambitions, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé is again among the favourites, and rising star Cole Palmer of Chelsea is building a strong case. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, recognised for his leadership and defensive excellence, also features prominently.
The women’s contest is equally compelling. Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, already a Ballon d’Or winner, once again leads the conversation. Arsenal forwards Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey are both in contention after standout campaigns, while Alexia Putellas, twice named the world’s best, is bidding for a return to the summit. Arsenal captain Leah Williamson is also expected to earn strong support after her influential performances at the club and international level.
The Ballon d’Or is more than an awards night; it is football’s grand stage, where legends are crowned and the global game celebrates its brightest stars. With Hankook once again at its side, the 2025 edition promises to reaffirm the ceremony’s enduring status as the pinnacle of individual recognition in world football.
